Lie, The
Dunmore, HelenIn comparison with his harrowing experiences in the trenches, it is really a small lie - initially one of omission - that is to be Daniel Branwell's undoing. Haunted by the death of his childhood friend and fellow soldier Frederick Dennis, Daniel is home again in Cornwall, struggling to find his place in the scheme of things. When he accedes to the final wishes of an elderly woman who has befriended him, the deception begins and Daniel discovers that 'no good deed go unpunished'.
Moving seamlessly between Daniel's childhood, and WW1 and its aftermath, this is a tender story of friendship and loss and the long shadows cast by war. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
This was our favourite book for this year. Beautifully written, and a touching and many layered story. Greytown 001 This is a very well written book. It reveals the horrors of war and the anguish of those who experience life in the trenches. Helen Dunmore seamlessly switches back and forth between the trenches and post war. But for Daniel, there is no difference. A very clever title, as there is a lie on so many levels. We thought this book was superb, we all gave it 9/10. Excellent notes. We had a wide ranging and worthwhile discussion. Christchurch 001 We had lots of discussion around the lie/lies, and the different perceptions of Dan's struggles. Interesting writing - not to all tastes, but all read it and had a point to discuss. I call it a good read when that happens:-) Nelson 050 Everyone enjoyed reading this book, and thought it was beautifully written. We had an interesting discussion as there was a variety of interpretations about several aspects of the story. Napier 011 We all loved this book. Poignant and moving, it stimulated much discussion around PTSD, and how our fathers/grandfathers coped with their memories of military service. Kaukapakapa 001 All those who read it found it very well written.Not an enjoyable read, but the characters and their pain from war/experiences were so well portrayed. It made you realize just how awful war is - the vivid and brutal descriptions of being in the trenches made the reader shudder with horror. We would really recommend this book!! Many of us started reading it and thought "this isn't for me", BUT continued and are so glad we did. Katikati 002
Pages
292
292
Year
2014
2014
Reviews
30-07-2024
While we found the subject matter disturbing, we thought the book was extremely well written, and dealt sensitively with the trauma that war inflicts on people.
01-09-2022
The majority of our group absolutely loved the writing - short sentences emphasised the graphic war descriptions of the horror and urgency of it. We discussed the PTSD exaggerated by the personal grief experienced by Dan. The poetry added pathos, we felt.
01-09-2022
A very good story with a sad ending.
01-09-2022
Most of us liked the book - especially the language and the writing, although it was sad and grim. A couple found it too grim to keep going and a couple found it a bit slow.
01-09-2022
Brilliantly and sensitively written. Author has a real gift for exquisite prose.
01-09-2022
A very moving book. We thought the characters well drawn and the shifts between past and present interesting. The description of the trenches and warfare was graphic. Daniel had few choices in life.
01-09-2022
Most people loved this book and were very surprised at the ending. Loads of discussion about PTSD.
01-09-2022
A moving account of young lives ruined by an awful war. Excellent notes.
01-09-2022
The back cover says it all - an enthralling novel. An amazing book, really. Good notes and good discussion.
23-06-2022
All enjoyed this book and loved the writing style. Some found the graphic descriptions of life in the trenches hard to read, and a couple of members skipped those bits. Several who hadn't read Helen Dunmore before planned to read more of her works.
17-09-2019
Everyone liked this book, including those who don't usually enjoy war stories. The writing was both beautiful and clever, and the characters were all fully rounded. It was easy to be swept away by the unfolding of the tale, and all aspects rang true. All of us have continued to mull over this story, and the issues it dwelt upon, always a sign of an excellent book, for serious readers!
04-02-2019
An outstanding book. The horror of World War I; and Daniels's life afterwards, were beautifully written.
04-02-2019
We were evenly divided over this book. Half of our members liked the literary concepts of the plot and writing style, but the others disliked it because of the war theme and the details of the trenches.
04-02-2019
Excellent study of the effects of war on a young man, and also highlighting the lack of understanding and compassion in society at that time.
04-02-2019
Beautifully written with great empathy, but very sobering subject matter.
04-02-2019
Our group thoroughly enjoyed 'The Lie'. All thought it extremely well-written, with sympathy and tenderness. The subject was well researched leaving the reader in no doubt of the horrors of war and the far reaching consequences on individuals. The notes were helpful.
04-02-2019
A few not keen on "another war book" - but then unexpectedly liked the poetic writing and characterisations. Lots of discussion as to what the 'lie' was.
04-02-2019
We all enjoyed this book. Beautifully written and very sad.
04-02-2019
Not often is a war story written from this angle. Helen Dunmore's depiction of what life was often like for returning soldiers is remarkable, and without the benefit of first hand knowledge(!), sensitively written.